Welcome to my blog for reviewing the best Mexican restaurants and food in Orange County, CA. I intend to cover as many as I can . . . and all sorts and price ranges: "From taco trucks to fine dining . . . and everything inbetween." Newer entries tend to focus on photos more than words. Number of restaurants covered so far: 268+. See The List

Friday, May 27, 2011

TACO MESA Healthy and Authentic debuts 20th Anniversary Menu and gears up for a year of celebration!

The new 20th Anniversary Menu features changes and updates that enhance their original intention and highlight their consistent commitment to outstanding quality coupled with an unbeatable value to their consumer. Founder Ivan Calderon is proud to announce a year of celebration at Taco Mesa.

"Staying true to our philosophy of Healthy & Authentic we've developed a new menu with the help of our executive chef, Javier Zambrano which truly reflects our original intention. Ingredients that are organic, wild caught fish, and natural chicken and beef (free of steroids, hormones and antibiotics) as well as identifying gluten free options within our menu. We use recipes that have been passed down from our ancestors, the Mayan, Aztec and Spanish ~ fused with contemporary technique and innovation. We prepare food in small batches daily to assure quality and freshness."

Taco Mesa has an ongoing committed to a 'green' environmental approach and is excited to embrace the new areas of opportunity to create an ecologically mindful dining experience which carries through to the back of the house. Changes and updates are in process and will be part of the year of celebration at all Taco Mesa locations. "It's a time of positive energy and appreciation for the past 20 years of growing our family business in Orange County. Our true partnership has been with the community and we feel deep gratitude for the steadfast support we have received throughout the last 20 years. We remain faithful to our original vision, commitment and to our community."

Ivan Calderon has continued to step beyond his role as restaurateur throughout the last 20 years, maintaining a standard of excellence in business as well as a gracious and generous spirit of giving and community involvement.

Est 1991

Taco Mesa originally opened on 19th Street in Costa Mesa, CA and still remains a local favorite at this original location. Since opening in 1991, Taco Mesa has grown to have 4 locations throughout Orange County: Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch and Orange. Taco Rosa Mexico City Cuisine was founded by Ivan Calderon as the 'full-service' concept with 2 locations, Newport Beach and Irvine - www.tacorosa.com.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Just found out from Twitter recently that three locations of Fresca's Mexican Grill (Brea, Huntington Beach, Tustin) are now serving breakfast. I tried it this morning in Tustin and got the "Huevos McFresca's" (hmm, now that name sounds familiar) which is basically a breakfast torta with "scrambled eggs, grilled ham, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on a fresh Mexican roll," with potatoes, onions and peppers on the side. Other options are huevos rancheros, chorizo con huevos, chorizo burrito and chilaquiles. Each selection comes with a glass of orange juice.

Monday, May 02, 2011

Del Taco's PR has just sent me the above image of their new Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos. Will be giving these a try sometime but coincidentally I went through one of their drive-thrus this morning and got a breakfast burrito and one of their new root beer float shakes. Normally I wouldn't have a shake at breakfast but I wanted to try this and I justified it by telling myself it was a late breakfast. They also have new Mac & Cheese Crunch Bites.

(Lake Forest, CA) May 2, 2011 – Del Taco’s Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos will have bigger taste than ever with the introduction of two new flavors - Creamy Chipotle, with a bold kick, and Bacon Ranch, an American classic made with ranch sauce and real bacon.

At $2.29, the Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos feature a crispy, golden chicken strip, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and grated cheddar cheese wrapped in warm flatbread with a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce. Del Taco will also be offering a popular "2 for" promotion with two Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos for $4.

This week, Del Taco is also introducing Crispy Chicken Burritos with a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce. Offered at $2.99, the Crispy Chicken Burritos include two crispy, golden chicken strips, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, grated cheddar cheese, and a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

"Our fans know and love how Del Taco delivers great flavor combinations that fill them up at unbeatable prices. Our new Crispy Chicken menu items are a great example of that and besides, Crispy Chicken just tastes better in tacos and burritos," said John Cappasola, Chief Brand Officer at Del Taco.

At Del Taco, all menu items are made to order using fresh ingredients including freshly grated cheddar cheese, hand-made salsa, slow-cooked lard-free beans and marinated chicken grilled fresh every hour. The menu includes Mexican offerings of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos as well as American favorites like hamburgers, fries and milk shakes. Del Taco also serves breakfast and most restaurants are open 24 hours with a drive thru. Del Taco restaurants serve more than three million customers each week.

I should say I love root beer shakes. Used to make them when I worked at Jack in the Box as a teenager by getting root beer syrup (minus the typically accompanying soda water) from the soda fountain and mixing it in with the shake mix. Now that I don't work at Jack in the Box anymore it's hard for me to get my root beer shake fix. So, thanks, Del Taco.